AutoCAD Review
AutoCAD continues to be the most used CAD drafting software even three decades after its introduction. Developed by Autodesk, the industry leader in CAD tools, the application is compatible with all types of Windows and MAC platforms. Every AutoCAD review highlights its superior navigational features, easy–to–use visual communication workflow, power-packed performance, and enhanced workflow documentation capability. The software is a delight for all designers because of its improved design aggregation and greater contribution to CAD process streamlining.
AutoCAD Review: The History
Autodesk released the original version of AutoCAD in December 1982. Michael Riddle is credited with its development, and Autodesk owner John Walker purchased the software from him for $150 million. At the time of its introduction, the CAD software was the only one to be exclusively running on PCs, as most of the earlier applications were designed to run on mainframe computers and shared with user units via graphics terminals. Its early features included texts, polylines, lines, curve fitting, circles, and arcs. By 1986, the CAD software became the most used microcomputer design program. In mid-1990s, the C++ API of the software was improved to support customization. An AutoCAD review led to introduction of a number of features for enhanced 3D modeling in its 2007 version. Mesh modeling and parametric functionality were part of the 2010 suite. The latest 2013 version is the 27th AutoCAD for Windows platforms and third for Mac OS.
AutoCAD Review: Important Features
- AutoCAD is compatible with both Mac and Windows–based platforms.
- All AutoCAD reviews: The software is consistent with latest 3D and 3D modeling demands. In fact, DWG and DXF files originally developed for the application has become the industry standard files for the CAD data transfer.
- The application is available in 20 languages and allows localization of its command set.
- It supports a number of API extensions to create customized 2D and 3D products for architecture, electrical, civil, and other specific fields.
- Automated and third-party applications can be created using AutoCAD’s customized extensions.
- An AutoCAD review can bring to your notice a number of supporting vertical programs developed by Autodesk to augment the ability of the application for discipline-specific enhancements.
AutoCAD Review: Versions
AutoCAD is available in various versions. AutoCAD LT is the lowest cost version. This entry-level CAD package comes with reduced 3D capabilities and does not support customization and network licensing. The 2010 version, AutoCAD WS, can be used on mobiles. The AutoCAD student version offers a 36–month license at a significant discount. An AutoCAD review of the latest 2013 version brings into notice a number of new additions, such as new graphic caching controls, command line enhancements, multiple hatch editing, new colored and transparent in–canvas property preview, and offset preview.
AutoCAD Review: Benefits
- AutoCAD can be used for 2D and 3D CAD services across all industries. AutoCAD reviews by professionals from different sectors highlight the flawless drawing and designing offered by this CAD software for their respective industries.
- API extensions and auxiliary vertical programs allow customization and automation of AutoCAD as per specific industry requirements. AutoCAD is viewed as the de facto industry standard for CAD packages. This improves its compatibility with latest 3D tools offering users greater convenience in file exchange.
- AutoCAD offers seamless automated transition between 2D and 3D modeling. Many versions are capable of generating paper print documentations based on virtual 3D models to aid the manufacturing process.
- The CAD software has inbuilt tools that automatically interact with Computer Aided Manufacturing packages to make machine tool program setups for various activities.
- AutoCAD virtualization, allowing enhanced walkthrough and visuals, is considered the best in the industry.
- AutoCAD is known for its flexibility, speed, user-friendly interface, reduced coordination errors, realistic renderings, and smart sharing and data management.
- The en suite complete solutions reduce deployment and support time and costs while offering added design alternatives, better scaling options, and easy modification.
AutoCAD Review: Limitations
AutoCAD focuses on both 2D and 3D modeling, and many of its versions released before 2009 do not have much exclusive 3D options. Latest 3D–only tools offer superior options, including better zoom, 3D plots, and information–rich PDF printing, when compared to AutoCAD. A thorough AutoCAD review brings to the light the fact that the software is not the best when we have heavy and complex assembly requirements.
